In Defense of Durability
A month or so back, there was a discussion over on the MHR forums about when Durability applies in reaction rolls. This cam up because of the differentiation between Durability, Mystic Resistance, and Psychic Resistance.
So today, I’m going to try to tackle the differences.
The Question
The question that came up was this, “can I use Durability in a reaction against magical attacks?”
The answer we came to agree on was yes. However, as with most things in Marvel Heroic, that’s only part of the answer.
Why?
Durability, to me, is how you resist physical stress of all types. Whether from a hammer, a bullet, a repulsor beam, or even a mystical blast, Durability is the answer. The Durability power trait deals with the results of an action: Physical Stress.
Think of it like the invulnerability SFX. It protects against physical stress, no matter the cause. Compare that to immunity, which protects from vectors of attack. Human Torch is immune to fire, period. No matter if it’s stress, a complication, or whatever, if it’s fire-based, he can safely ignore it.
So on that thought, Resistance is akin to immunity. Mystic Resistance can be rolled against any magical attack, if it is Dr. Strange trying to entrap you in a magical cage, or Thor blasting you with magical lightning, you can still Resist it. Resistance deals with vector, not results.
So Why Won’t Durability Protect from Mental Attacks?
The answer to that question is simple! It’s because Psychic Blast doesn’t do physical stress, it does mental stress! Remember that Durability protects against physical stress, so an attack that does mental stress—or even complications—can safely ignore that trait.